‘Self made gang’ busted for harassing tourists in Ganderbal; 20 detained
Ganderbal, Oct 12: Acting against rising incidents of public harassment, Ganderbal Police have busted a gang of miscreants of a self made local group known as the “Self Made Gang (16/96)” involved in harassing tourists and couples at popular recreational spots in Ganderbal district. Police officials said that the group, comprising around 20 individuals, was found recording videos and taking photographs of visiting tourists and couples without their consent, later using the content to intimidate, blackmail, and harass them for personal gain.
Senior Superintendent of Police Ganderbal,Khalil Poswal said that the group used to frequent the public places like Abdullah Park, Dumping Park, and other popular recreational sites, click photographs and videos of visiting couples and tourists without consent, and subsequently resort to intimidation, blackmail, and harassment of innocent persons on various pretexts for personal gains.
SSP said as per the investigations, it revealed that the group-maintained WhatsApp and other social media groups to coordinate such unlawful activities. “Taking strong cognizance of the matter, our police teams swiftly identified and apprehended all 20 individuals involved. Some of those who were juvenile.
Their parents and guardians were also summoned to the Police Station Ganderbal counseling sessions aimed at preventing such behaviour while action has been taken against other youngsters involved,” SSP added. SSP said that atleast 50 couples and families have been harassed and blackmailed so far . To further strengthen public safety, Ganderbal Police has issued dedicated helpline numbers — Women’s Helpline: 9541786742, PCR Ganderbal: 9906668731 / 0194-2416564 — urging citizens to promptly report any incident of harassment or suspicious activity. “ Ganderbal Police reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe, respectful, and tourist-friendly environment across all public spaces in the district” SSP further said.
